Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Car Accident Fatally Injures Bicyclist

By John Bisnar

James Laing, 46, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after he was struck by a vehicle that left the scene. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, the fatal car accident occurred the afternoon of October 23, 2010 near the intersection of Agoura Road and Liberty Canyon Road.

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Both Laing and the driver, 44-year-old S.D. Whitmansegal, were going east on Agoura when the car versus bicycle accident occurred. Laing was thrown on to the roadway and died at the scene. Whitmansegal drove away from the scene. But witnesses apparently followed the female hit-and-run driver and reported her location to police. She was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of James Laing for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were six injuries involving bicycle accidents in Agoura Hills. Also, countywide, 33 people died and 3,315 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

Leaving the Scene of a Car Accident

Based on this news report, it appears that Whitmansegal was impaired at the time of this hit-and-run car accident. In addition to driving impaired, officials say she struck down the bicyclist and then took off without even stopping to see how Laing was doing or getting him medical assistance. Despicable! I commend the resourceful eyewitnesses who followed the hit-and-run driver and made sure she was taken off the streets. She could have been a significant danger to others on the roadway. These individuals who helped apprehend the driver saved other lives that day. Well done!

Leaving the scene of an injury car accident is a serious crime under California law. California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.”

Protecting Victims’ Rights

In such cases, where negligence or wrongdoing is apparent, families of deceased victims would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced Los Angeles hit and run lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that the family’s legal rights and best interests are protected. The family of a deceased victim in such cases can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

Lost a family member in a Los Angeles County hit-and-run car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Agoura Hills bicycle accident. Call . The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.

How would you react if you saw a hit-and-run car accident happening right before your eyes?

The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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